Clampdown launched to improve building site safety

THE Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a clampdown to improve construction site safety in East Cambridgeshire.

Construction sites across the district are being put under the safety spotlight as part of a new round of inspections aimed at reducing death and injury.

Up until March 16, inspectors from the HSE will be visiting sites where refurbishment or repair works are being carried out.

The inspector’s focus will be high-risk activity such as working at height and also ensuring sites are clean and tidy with clear access routes.

Norman Macritchie, HSE’s principal inspector for construction in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire, said:

“The refurbishment sector continues to be the most risky for construction workers, all too often straightforward practical precautions are not considered and workers are put at risk. In many cases simple changes to working practices can make all the difference.

“Poor management of risks in this industry is unacceptable. As we have demonstrated in the past, we will take strong action if we find evidence that

workers are being unnecessarily put at risk.”

According to the HSE, between 2006-2011, 22 workers suffered major injuries while working in construction, with one death reported.

Across Cambridgeshire, 273 workers suffered major injuries during the same five-year period, with two deaths reported.